When fear sneaks in, it’s not always easy to find the right words to express what we’re feeling. Sometimes, it helps to lean on idioms—those vivid phrases that paint a picture and carry powerful emotions. Whether you’re trying to show vulnerability, connect with someone else’s fear, or describe a character in your writing, idioms offer colorful, emotionally rich language to do it.
In this article, you’ll find 20 idioms for scared, each with a definition, an example sentence, and an easy-to-follow explanation. These aren’t just meant to expand your vocabulary; they’re here to help you speak with warmth, care, and confidence. Words matter—and choosing the right ones can help others understand you better, or feel understood themselves.
So if you’ve ever been “scared stiff” or felt your “heart in your mouth,” you’re in the right place. Let’s explore how these phrases can help you connect more deeply and express more clearly.
What is an Idiom for Scared?
An idiom for scared is a common expression used to describe fear without using the word “scared” directly. These idioms often use metaphors or images to convey what fear feels like—making them more relatable and expressive in conversation.
LIst for Idioms for Scared
- Scared Stiff
- Jump Out of One’s Skin
- Shaking Like a Leaf
- Have Cold Feet
- Heart in One’s Mouth
- Break into a Cold Sweat
- Scared Out of One’s Wits
- White as a Ghost
- Goosebumps All Over
- Hair Stood on End
- Lose One’s Nerve
- Frozen with Fear
- Afraid of One’s Own Shadow
- Get the Heebie-Jeebies
- In a Cold Sweat
- Blood Ran Cold
- Freak Out
- Turn to Jelly
- Weak in the Knees
- Out of One’s Nerves
1. Scared Stiff
This idiom describes the kind of fear that freezes you in place.
Definition: To be so terrified you can’t move.
In Sentence: She was scared stiff when she saw the shadow in the hallway.
Example: Imagine walking into a dark room and seeing something move—you stand frozen, unable to react. That’s being scared stiff.
Explanation: This idiom shows how fear can take away your ability to move or act.
Other Way to Say:
- Petrified
- Frozen with fear
- Paralyzed by fear
- Shaken up
- In shock
2. Jump Out of One’s Skin
This idiom paints a vivid picture of sudden, intense fear.
Definition: To react with a sudden jump or movement when startled.
In Sentence: I nearly jumped out of my skin when the door slammed shut.
Example: If someone claps loudly behind you, your body might jolt—that’s this idiom in action.
Explanation: It reflects how a sudden fright makes your body respond without thinking.
Other Way to Say:
- Startled
- Alarmed
- Spooked
- Jolted
- Taken aback
3. Shaking Like a Leaf
This idiom describes the physical symptoms of fear or anxiety.
Definition: To tremble or shake noticeably due to fear.
In Sentence: He was shaking like a leaf before his speech.
Example: Like a leaf blowing in the wind, someone scared might visibly tremble.
Explanation: Fear often causes physical signs, and this idiom captures that effect.
Other Way to Say:
- Trembling
- Quivering
- Nervous
- Unsteady
- Wobbly
4. Have Cold Feet
This idiom is often used before doing something big or important.
Definition: To feel sudden nervousness or hesitation.
In Sentence: She got cold feet the night before her wedding.
Example: It’s like your confidence disappears just before taking a big step.
Explanation: Fear makes people second-guess decisions—they freeze up.
Other Way to Say:
- Hesitant
- Backing out
- Doubtful
- Uneasy
- Reluctant
5. Heart in One’s Mouth
This idiom captures the rush of anxiety in a scary moment.
Definition: To feel extreme fear or tension.
In Sentence: My heart was in my mouth when I opened that exam result.
Example: You’re so scared your heart feels like it’s leaped up to your throat.
Explanation: This idiom shows how fear physically affects you.
Other Way to Say:
- Anxious
- Dreadful
- Panicked
- Nervous
- Tense
6. Break into a Cold Sweat
This describes fear that causes a strong physical reaction.
Definition: To begin sweating due to fear or anxiety.
In Sentence: He broke into a cold sweat when the teacher called on him.
Example: Even when the room is cold, fear can make you sweat.
Explanation: The body reacts to fear, sometimes in ways you can’t control.
Other Way to Say:
- Perspiring
- Nervous
- Panicked
- Uncomfortable
- Fearful
7. Scared Out of One’s Wits
This idiom reflects overwhelming terror.
Definition: To be so frightened that you lose your senses.
In Sentence: She was scared out of her wits by the thunderstorm.
Example: The kind of fear that leaves you speechless and stunned.
Explanation: Fear takes over your thoughts and judgment.
Other Way to Say:
- Terrified
- Horrified
- Shocked
- Mind-blown
- Panicked
8. White as a Ghost
Fear can literally drain the color from your face.
Definition: To become very pale from fear.
In Sentence: He turned white as a ghost when he saw the accident.
Example: Someone looks like they’ve seen a ghost—pale and shaken.
Explanation: The body reacts to fear by shifting blood flow, making skin pale.
Other Way to Say:
- Pale-faced
- Ghastly
- Blanched
- Washed out
- Ashen
9. Goosebumps All Over
A familiar physical reaction to being scared.
Definition: To have small bumps rise on your skin due to fear or cold.
In Sentence: That horror story gave me goosebumps all over.
Example: It’s like your skin is reacting to something eerie or creepy.
Explanation: Fear stimulates nerves that cause this reaction.
Other Way to Say:
- Chills
- Prickled skin
- Shivers
- Tingling
- Uneasy feeling
10. Hair Stood on End
This idiom describes a tingling fear that’s hard to ignore.
Definition: To feel a fright so sharp it feels like your hair reacts.
In Sentence: My hair stood on end during the ghost tour.
Example: Like something creepy brushed right past you.
Explanation: Fear can send a chill through the body, affecting even the scalp.
Other Way to Say:
- Spooked
- Alarmed
- Creeped out
- Unnerved
- Eerie feeling
11. Lose One’s Nerve
This idiom shows how fear can make you back out.
Definition: To become too frightened to do something.
In Sentence: He lost his nerve and didn’t ask the question.
Example: You planned something but fear makes you quit.
Explanation: Nerves give you strength—when fear wins, they disappear.
Other Way to Say:
- Lose courage
- Back down
- Chicken out
- Withdraw
- Falter
12. Frozen with Fear
This phrase reflects a moment when fear takes total control.
Definition: To be so afraid you can’t move.
In Sentence: I was frozen with fear when the snake slithered by.
Example: Your body locks up because the fear is overwhelming.
Explanation: It’s a survival response, sometimes called “fight or freeze.”
Other Way to Say:
- Immobilized
- Paralyzed
- Stuck
- Motionless
- Still with fear
13. Afraid of One’s Own Shadow
This idiom shows someone who’s constantly nervous.
Definition: To be easily scared by even harmless things.
In Sentence: He’s so jumpy—he’s afraid of his own shadow.
Example: People who flinch at small sounds or movements.
Explanation: It describes someone overly anxious or sensitive to fear.
Other Way to Say:
- Skittish
- Easily startled
- Timid
- Jumpy
- On edge
14. Get the Heebie-Jeebies
A fun way to express creepy or nervous feelings.
Definition: To feel scared or uneasy in a strange way.
In Sentence: That old attic gives me the heebie-jeebies.
Example: Fear mixed with discomfort—like something doesn’t feel right.
Explanation: This idiom has a playful tone for everyday fear.
Other Way to Say:
- Creeped out
- Spooked
- Uneasy
- Weirded out
- Disturbed
15. In a Cold Sweat
This idiom shows how stress and fear often go together.
Definition: To sweat from anxiety rather than heat.
In Sentence: He woke up in a cold sweat after the nightmare.
Example: It’s when you’re scared even though you’re not physically active.
Explanation: Your body’s stress response can cause cold, clammy sweat.
Other Way to Say:
- Sweaty
- Anxious
- Flushed
- Alarmed
- Drenched with fear
16. Blood Ran Cold
This idiom reflects a sudden chill of fear.
Definition: To feel icy fear that hits you fast.
In Sentence: My blood ran cold when I heard the scream.
Example: It’s like fear freezes you from the inside out.
Explanation: It captures how horror can send a chill through your body.
Other Way to Say:
- Icy fear
- Dread
- Frozen inside
- Terrified
- Chilled to the bone
17. Freak Out
This casual phrase means to lose control due to fear.
Definition: To have a strong emotional reaction.
In Sentence: I totally freaked out when I saw the spider.
Example: Screaming, panicking, jumping—it’s all part of this idiom.
Explanation: It’s emotional and reactive, often used in casual speech.
Other Way to Say:
- Panic
- Lose it
- Flip out
- Go wild
- Melt down
18. Turn to Jelly
Fear can make your body feel weak.
Definition: To feel suddenly weak due to fear or shock.
In Sentence: His knees turned to jelly when he saw the heights.
Example: You can’t stand properly because your legs feel like jelly.
Explanation: Fear affects muscles and balance.
Other Way to Say:
- Weak-kneed
- Unsteady
- Shaky
- Wobbly
- Faint
19. Weak in the Knees
A softer way to say you feel overcome by emotion.
Definition: To feel unstable due to fear or anxiety.
In Sentence: I felt weak in the knees after the scary story.
Example: This idiom works for both fear and love, interestingly.
Explanation: Fear causes tension and shakiness, especially in the legs.
Other Way to Say:
- Shaky
- Nervous
- Uneasy
- Unbalanced
- Dizzy
20. Out of One’s Nerves
This idiom shows someone who’s past their limit with fear.
Definition: To be overwhelmed or agitated by fear.
In Sentence: She was out of her nerves waiting for the test results.
Example: You’re so nervous you can’t sit still or think clearly.
Explanation: This reflects both mental and emotional fear overload.
Other Way to Say:
- Distraught
- Frantic
- Agitated
- Panicked
- Overwhelmed
Other Ways to Say “Scared” (List of Focus Keyword)
- Afraid
- Frightened
- Terrified
- Nervous
- Spooked
- Alarmed
- Panicked
- Shaken
- Anxious
- Apprehensive
Final Thoughts
Fear is a natural part of life, but expressing it can help lighten its load. Whether you’re writing fiction, speaking your truth, or comforting someone else, using these idioms for scared brings your words to life in a way that’s both clear and heartfelt. Each phrase offers its own texture and meaning—choose the one that fits your moment best.
FAQs
1. What is an idiom for scared?
An idiom for scared is a phrase that expresses fear without using the word “scared” directly.
2. Why are idioms useful in everyday speech?
They make language more vivid, relatable, and expressive.
3. Can idioms help improve writing?
Yes, they add emotional depth and make your writing feel more human.
4. Are these idioms formal or informal?
Most are informal and best used in casual or creative settings.
5. How do I know which idiom to use?
Think about the level and type of fear you’re describing—some idioms fit better in light-hearted moments, while others express intense fear.
Emma Brooke is the writer and founder of Grammer Guru, a platform designed to help individuals refine their grammar, writing, and communication skills. With a deep love for language and a talent for simplifying complex grammar rules, Emma provides insightful tips and practical guidance for writers, students, and professionals
